The End of the World Flagstaff is a breathtaking, magical place set atop a canyon overlooking what seems to be the end of the world.
It might just be the site you have been looking for that makes you realize the end of the road is the beginning of something else. Let’s check out what lies at the end of the world.
End of the World Flagstaff, The Details
Yes, there is a place known as the End of the World Flagstaff. On many maps, it’s the East Pocket, but locals and tourists alike have adopted the more mystical and appropriate term, the End of the World.
The End of the World is just outside of Flagstaff, Ariz., atop a canyon at just over 5,000 feet in elevation. When you visit, you’ll revel in sprawling views of forested canopies, volcanic rock, and jagged towers of red rock vistas.
A bird’s eye view overlooks the edges of Sedona and Verde Valley in the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness.
Visiting the End of the World
You might think that with a name like The End of the World, getting there would be difficult. However, it’s pretty easy to visit End of the World Flagstaff.
From Flagstaff, head west on historic Route 66 to make a left-hand turn on Woody Mountain Road. After about 23 miles, you’ll come across a break in the trees. Make a right-hand turn to discover dramatic views worth the long drive.
Woody Mountain Road is accessible to most vehicles, although there are plenty of ruts that may make you wish you didn’t drive your low clearance car after all. Vehicles with high clearance and four-wheel drive are best suited for the road.
Even if you can only make it a portion of the way up to Woody Mountain Road, there are plenty of places to park, camp, and explore all along the route in Coconino National Forest. Road conditions can change when exposed to moisture, making it even more complicated than simply being a gravel mountain road. Along with that, Woody Mountain Road is closed during the winter months, so plan accordingly.
Why ‘the End of the World?’
If the world was flat, and you traveled in a straight line until you found the edge, you’d call it the end of the world. That implies that this place would be remote, hard to reach, and almost magical. After all, it is the end of the world as we know it.
It makes perfect sense that the East Pocket is also the End of the World Flagstaff.
It’s secluded and remote, the stunning scenery is magical, and it’s mostly undeveloped. That makes the perfect setup for a place to call itself the end of the world.
Camping at the End of the World
One of the most spectacular things to do when visiting the End of the World Flagstaff is camping. There are no official campgrounds and the roads are not accessible for RVs. However, car camping and dispersed camping are allowed and encouraged.
You can stay for up to 14 days, and you can start a campfire if there are no fire bans. Be sure to check for possible fire bans via Coconino National Forest’s information site to be sure. Nobody wants to start a wildfire.
The End of the World Flagstaff is one of Arizona’s best free camping sites for its remote location. You may come across other campers, but they’re there to experience the same thing you are, the beauty at the end of the world.
What to Do at the End of the World
There are plenty of things to do at the End of the World Flagstaff. Catching the glorious colors as the sun sets and lights up the canyon with a surreal glow is the best thing to do here. And many daytrippers do just that.
Even if you can’t make it here for a camping excursion, sitting atop a cliff watching the sun go down may be the second-best thing here. Hiking is another popular activity, as there are many hiking trails nearby. There are plenty of places to wander, whether you’re hiking, exploring, climbing, or simply sitting and taking in the breathtaking views.
The one manufactured feature here is a fire lookout tower within a wooded area nearby. Before you leave, be sure to pay a visit to the building at the end of Forest Service Road 231. Getting in all the various views is a must.
Take a Trip to the End of the World
Taking a trip to the End of the World Flagstaff may be both a beginning and an end. The sun rises and sets, and roads end and start again here. All you have to do is turn around, and another adventure begins. The End of the World is only just the beginning.
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